The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said Sunday it has
developed as effective framework for the gradual transition of security
responsibilities to Somalia's security institutions.

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The
AU mission said the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) 2018, once approved
by the African Union and senior defense officials of troops-contributing
countries, will be crucial for the mission's quest for a peaceful and
democratic Somalia.

"We want to produce a document that is
workable, a document that is in a position capable of producing the
expected results and we are very much optimistic that we will do it,"
Francisco Madeira, special representative of the chairperson of the
African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, said in a statement.

He
said CONOPS, which will guide AMISOM's activities and operations for
the 2018-2021 period, marks the final phase of the AU mission's
transition and eventual exit from Somalia.

The AU mission said
its peacekeeping force is collaborating with the Somali security forces
to build capacity and bring stability in the Horn of Africa nation by
setting up governance structures in areas AMISOM had liberated.

The
pan-African troops are expected to relinquish the security of the key
towns, to the Somali forces, through a conditions-based transition plan,
to allow them to take the lead responsibility as part of the planned
exit.

The AU mission said the document was agreed during a
five-day meeting of the mission's staff, Somali government officials and
representatives of the African Union.

The document details
AMISOM's plans and aspirations that will culminate in the scheduled 2021
one-man-one-vote elections and consequently the gradual transfer of the
security responsibilities to Somali security forces.

"This is a
very important undertaking and endeavor because it marks a crucial step
in a very crucial moment we find ourselves in our efforts in Somalia,"
Madeira said, noting that the document is a product of "hard-work and
open and frank discussions."

The forum, Madeira said, looked into
the issue of the mission's military component and analyzed the way it
is working toward delivering a "safe" Somalia to its people.

Resolving the problem in Somalia, Madeira noted, requires more than just the military approach.

"Security
is not just a matter of shooting al-Shabab but it is also a matter of
extending our hands to those elements of al-Shabab who for whatever
reason had slid into violence and extremism and now are willing to
abandon that path," he said.

He called on partners, troops and
police contributing countries and all Somalis to "put our hands
together" to ensure that peace and security is returned in the country.